Liposuction is one of the more customizable cosmetic surgery procedures, which may be performed independently or in conjunction with other surgeries. Therefore, the recovery process will vary from one patient to another. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will explain all about the recovery and the precautions required.
Dr. Eugene Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon providing liposuction and various other procedures. Dr. Kim will educate his patients about all aspects of liposuction, including the recovery and downtime. His first goal is to help the patient make a well-considered decision. Dr. Kim provides liposuction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.
Immediate Post-Operative Phase
Liposuction cosmetic surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and the patient will be allowed to return home the same day. They will be moved to an observation area immediately after the surgery, and kept under monitoring for a few hours. The incision areas will be covered with bandages to support initial healing.
The patient should have a responsible person to drive them back home after the surgery. If a significant amount of liposuction has been performed, they should preferably have someone at home to assist with the household chores for the first two to three days. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications and antibiotics for the first few days. If the patient is anemic, iron supplements may also be prescribed. Before the patient leaves for home, they will be provided a set of post-op care instructions for a speedy recovery.
First Week
The patient may have to wear the bandages or an elasticated support corset for the first week in order to mitigate bruising and swelling. Bruising and swelling will be prominent in the first week, particularly if the liposuction area is large. Bruising will subside quickly after the first week, but the swelling will gradually reduce over several weeks and months. The patient should take plenty of rest in the first week, stay sufficiently hydrated, and take a diet rich in lean proteins for a faster recovery.
Mild walks at home are recommended from the second day to promote blood flow. Initial numbness in the incision areas will disappear gradually on its own. Most patients will be able to return to their normal routine or go back to work in about a week to 10 days. Experienced and standout plastic surgeon Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for liposuction surgery.
Long-term Recovery
Swelling in the incision areas will be eliminated completely in about three months after liposuction. Subtle improvements will be noticeable immediately after the surgery, but full results of liposuction will be seen as the swelling completely disappears.
Patients should visit the surgeon for follow-up appointments as scheduled to ensure proper monitoring and healthy recovery. They can resume vigorous activities and exercises after about four to six weeks of the surgery. A balanced diet and active lifestyle must be maintained in the long run to enjoy the results of liposuction for an extended period of time.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
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